Decorative borders

ABSTRACT

A decorative border structure ( 100 ) is disclosed. The decorative border structure ( 100 ) includes a plurality of border picket assemblies ( 102 ), each consisting of a picket portion ( 108 ) and a stake ( 118 ). Snap assemblages ( 126 ) are located on opposing sides of the picket portion ( 108 ) of each of the border picket assemblies ( 102 ). The snap assemblages ( 126 ) are adapted to releasably and pivotably interconnect with trim spacers ( 104 ) which, in turn, pivotably and releasably interconnect with adjacent ones of the border picket assemblies ( 102 ). The relative structures of the trim spacers ( 104 ) and the snap assemblages ( 126 ) facilitate assembly of the decorative border structure ( 100 ) with curvature, and also permit use of the decorative border structure ( 100 ) on uneven terrain or with terrain of substantial inclinations and declinations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to decorative borders and, more particularly,relates to decorative border structures which facilitateassembly/disassembly and provide for borders of selectable length anduse with terrain of varying inclinations and declinations.

2. Description of Related Art

Over the years, the use of various types of structures for separatinggeographical areas have been developed. These border structures havebeen used for various purposes, from preventing animals from escapingpasture land to providing means of preventing soil erosion and the like.In general, borders separating various geographical areas can provide anumber of functions.

However, in addition to being functional, it is often desirable to havesuch partitioning and functional borders include another aspect.Specifically, it is desirable for many types of partitioning borders tobe decorative with pleasing aesthetics. This is particularly true invarious residential and commercial border construction, where theborders may be viewed on a relatively consistent basis by a substantialnumber of individuals.

Decorative borders may be constructed of various materials, oftendependent upon functions to be performed. For example, it may bedesirable to construct a decorative border around walkways, gardens,flowerbeds or the like. Such borders may be in the form of wire fencing,wooden fencing or fencing constructed of other materials.Correspondingly, borders do not necessarily have to consist of a “fence”type configuration. For example, borders can be constructed of variousconfigurations of concrete blocks or similar materials, which are oftennot necessarily referred to as “fences”. One type of decorative borderknown in the prior art consists of a series of concrete casting blocksdeposited in a channel which is dug at the edge of a garden or flowerbed. A disadvantage of such a prior art border is that each block isindependent of adjacent blocks, and the blocks are not necessarily heldtogether. In addition, it is often substantially difficult to placeconcrete blocks so as to follow the contour of a garden or flower bed,or to achieve a smooth and even line or curve. As an example, it isextremely difficult to create an even circular rim using such prior artconcrete blocks.

Other types of decorative borders, although using interconnectingelements, may be substantially difficult to install. For example, sometypes of edging or decorative border fencing require relativelysubstantial strength to appropriately position into the ground. Also,some types of borders require specialized tools for installation.

In general, many types of decorative borders are relatively difficult toassemble. In addition, a number of known prior art border structurescomprise borders having a relatively substantial length, but without thecapability of anything other than linear positioning in the ground. Thatis, many border structures do not allow any type of curvature, andseparate lengths of the border structures must be utilized to providefor bordering in differing directions. In a similar manner, a number ofknown prior art border structures are useful only in terrain which issubstantially flat, and remaining in a single horizontal plane.

Still other known decorative borders are constructed of materials (oruse surface coatings) which do not facilitate cleaning. Further, otherknown border structures are relatively flimsy. With these types ofstructures, damage can readily occur through stones being thrown at andimpacting on the border structures, or other projectiles impinging uponthe border surfaces. Also, if the relatively flimsy border structure isconstructed of various assembled parts, the parts can readily come apartin moderate wind conditions.

Although other known border structures may not be particularly flimsy,they may be of a construction which can readily be damaged duringinstallation and assembly. For example, several known border structuresinclude stakes for insertion into the ground. These stakes are oftenelongated, flat-surfaced and not particularly durable. A structure ofsuch stakes often will result in bending or other damage upon assemblyand installation of the entirety of the border structures.

Another disadvantage of many known decorative border structures is theinability to produce such structures in various colors. Many of theknown border structures are constructed of a material which do notfacilitate painting, staining or similar activity. Other known borderstructures are constructed of materials which are not particularly UVstable (or cannot be stabilized), and will readily fade or otherwise besubject to damage from the sun and other elements. Still further,although some known decorative border structures are not particularlydifficult to assemble, the same structures can often be substantiallydifficult to disassemble. For decorative border structures for lawns,gardens and flowerbeds, it is often advantageous to store suchstructures during winter months. If the structures are not readilycapable of disassembly, such storage can be difficult. Similarly, manydecorative border structures which are difficult to disassemble not onlycause storage problems, but also cause problems regarding rearrangement.For example, it is fairly common to alter residential and commerciallandscapes over time. It would be preferable for decorative borderstructures to be readily capable of rearrangement, so as to permitre-use of such structures.

Another issue relevant to decorative border structures in the modem erarelates to environmental concerns. The materials from which many knowndecorative borders are constructed are often not (either whole or inpart) recyclable. This is an issue which will continue to become moreimportant in the future.

Another important issue for decorative borders relates to the aestheticsof the border structures from various views. For example, many knownborder structures have a substantially aesthetically pleasing appearancefrom a “front” view of the structure, but a view from the back may notbe aesthetically pleasing. It would be preferable for decorative borderstructures to have pleasing aesthetics from substantially any view.

Also relating to aesthetics, it would be preferable for decorativeborder structures to include surfaces of pleasing appearance. Often,relatively “flat” structure surfaces do not provide the aesthetics whichmay be desirable for a particular setting for the decorative borderstructures. Finally, as mentioned earlier, some decorative borderstructures do not readily accept paint or other coloring of theirsurfaces. As a corollary to this issue, some known decorative borderstructures require painting, and may require painting fairly frequently.Requisite painting of border surfaces can result in the conventionalproblems associated with such painting, including fading, chipping, andother damage resulting from environmental conditions.

The following paragraphs briefly describe examples of prior art borderstructures.

Schropp, U.S. Pat. No. 5,236,179, issued Aug. 17, 1993, describes agarden trim fence for installation in a channel dug into the ground. Thetrim fence includes a wire, anchor block and a series of adjacent andvertically arranged regular blocks, with each of the blocks having ahorizontally extending hole between opposing sides. The wire is passedthrough the hole so as to support the blocks, and the hole is positionedso as to lie below ground level when installed.

Reiter, U.S. Pat. No. 4,167,079, issued Sep. 11, 1979, describes a trimfence with a series of blocks, with each block having a pair of parallelsurfaces and side walls forming a V-shaped end. Each side wall is formedby intersecting planar surfaces forming a V, including an obtuse angle.The planar surfaces of the side walls converge on a linear edge at theapex of the V, with the edge having a V-shaped outline which is in aplane at an angle other than a right angle to the parallel planarsurfaces of the member. This configuration is described as beingadvantageous for fences measuring only a relatively few inches inheight.

Anticole, U.S. Pat. No. 5,961,101, issued Oct. 5, 1999, describes amodular interconnecting fencing arrangement, with a series of sheetpanels each having a first edge with a first offset, and a first doublefold along the first edge. In this manner, a first gap is defined whichis aligned with and faces the panels. A second edge is also definedhaving a second offset and a second double fold along the second edge.In this manner, a second gap is defined which is offset from the panel,so that the edges of two adjacent panels may be slipped together to forma lock seam joint.

Morris, U.S. Design Pat. No. 258,313, issued Feb. 17, 1981, illustratesa lawn and garden border, with a design having a center section with asubstantially rectangular facial structure, but with a series ofsemi-circular shaped sections at the top thereof. At each end of theplanar structure is an end structure having a relatively narrow widthand a height greater than the intermediate planar structure. Each of theend structures also has a semi-circular construction at the top thereof.

VerHoeve, U.S. Pat. No. 5,375,369, issued Dec. 27, 1994, describeslandscape edgings having double-tongued stakes designed to connect andground-anchor post or block-like elements in the creation ofone-element-high, one-element-thick, stakeable landscape edgings. Eachlandscape element is channeled with a tongue-locking keyway on each oftwo parallel and opposed side edges. Elements can be chained togetherinto continuous and aligned arrangement by the intermediate insertion ofthe stakes, so as to form relatively long flexible landscape edgingsegments. The segments may then be staked to the ground. In this manner,each edging element is thus double-staked to the ground, with the numberof stakes and staked elements being substantially equal.

Emmie, U.S. Pat. No. 4,130,272, issued Dec. 19, 1978, describes a picketfence having a series of parallel and laterally-spaced metal pickets.The pickets are interconnected by a series of parallel pairs ofstringers. Stringers are constructed of metal, with opposing ends shapedin a tubular configuration. The stringers are received in matingrecesses on adjacent and parallel pickets. The mating arrangement issuch that the pickets are rotatable about the tubular configurations ofthe stringers. In this manner, the pickets and their associatedstringers are moveable with respect to each other so that a curved pathmay be formed.

Allen, U.S. Pat. No. 3,648,981, issued Mar. 14, 1972, discloses a fencehaving wooden panels, with upper and lower edges positioned in slottedrails supported between pairs of steel posts. The rails are described assections of channel or open seam type. The panels are held in place inthe fence without nails, screws, bolts or other fasteners. The panelscan be spaced apart like pickets, or have side edges in contact fordenying visual and physical access to the fenced-in area.

Mann, U.S. Pat. No. 3,892,387, issued Jul. 1, 1975, describes a fencestructure of board-type construction. The fence structure is one wherethe visual appearance is substantially identical on both sides. Also,there is no need for nails in the fence construction. The fence includesa series of fence sections having end posts, with a series of slats orpicket members interposed between the posts. The slats are securedtogether through elongated rod members extending between the posts andtransversely through intermediate slats. Each fence section is securedto adjacent fence sections in a side-by-side or end-to-end relationship.In this matter, the fence structure is constructed of a desired length,again without the need of nails.

Bergagnini, U.S. Pat. No. 4,684,108, issued Aug. 4, 1987, discloses afence construction which utilizes flat bar stock for rails and pickets,with relatively standard metal shapes for posts between the fencesections. Each fence panel incudes horizontally extending and verticallyspaced rails. Each rail includes a pair of flat metal bars arranged in ahorizontally spaced, side-by-side relationship. The opposing ends ofeach bar are connected to a bolt, such as by welding. Adjacent ends ofthe bars are curved slightly around the sides of the bolt forappearance. A series of horizontally spaced and vertically extendingpickets are also provided. Each picket includes a flat metal par bentinto the form of an inverted U-shaped configuration The bend is locatedat the upper end of the picket, and rounded into substantially asemi-circular configuration. Each picket is positioned between the barsof the rails and secured to the bars by tack welding. The bars formingthe pickets are also of a steel configuration.

Intermediate posts are also provided, in a standard T-shapedconfiguration, with the upper ends rounded into a substantiallysemi-circular configuration, and the lower ends either pointed orsquare. The lower end of each post is secured in the supporting groundsurface, either by being driven into the ground or held in a concretefooting. The post includes a first vertical web, extending parallel withthe adjacent rails, and a second vertical web extending normal from thecentral portion of the first web. A horizontal web is also provided, asby welding, to the vertical webs and at each level for a rail. Cornerposts are also provided, with L-shaped cross sections. The upper endportion of each post is rounded for appearance. The lower end portionmay be pointed to squared, for being driven into the ground or securedby concrete footings. A horizontal web is secured to the vertical webs,at the level of each rail. A pair of apertures are formed in eachhorizontal web so as to receive bolts of adjacent rails. Nuts areprovided on the lower ends of the bolts at each corner post to firmlysecure the ends of the rails to the corner posts.

Zen, U.S. Pat. No. 4,968,005, issued Nov. 5, 1990, describes railsadapted for attachment to a series of pickets. The rails includes firstand second longitudinal members pressed together to form the rail.Spaced openings are formed in one longitudinal member, with an open edgefor each opening at an edge of the longitudinal member. Channels areformed on each side of the picket member, but adjacent to an end of themember. Projections are provided on both members, adjacent to eachopening. Each projection is received on a channel of a picket. Thearrangement is described as a relatively rattle-free structure.

Begue, Jr., et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,492,307, issued Feb. 20, 1996,describes a fence apparatus with a series of hollow fence modulesconstructed of plastic. The modules include ornamental exteriorsurfaces, with slots at their edge portions. The slots are adapted toreceive connector elements. A series of joint assemblies are adapted tobe interconnected between two hollow fence modules placed edge to edge.The joint assemblies include connector elements adapted to be receivedin the slots of the two hollow fence modules for jointing the fencemodules together. The connector elements also fit into slots in thejoint assemblies. The fence post assemblies are connected to the hollowfence modules, so as to secure the fence modules to a portion of theground. The connector elements include first channels. The edge portionsof the hollow fence modules include second channels which are capable ofbeing placed in registration with the first channels. Fasteners areplaced through the registered first channels and the second channels andemployed to secure the hollowed fence modules to the joint assemblies.The joint assemblies include right-angled corner joint assemblies andstraight-angled joint assemblies. The exterior surface can simulatevertically oriented wooden boards, brick walls or picket fences. Thefence post assemblies can include metal posts placed external to thehollow fence modules, either as independent fence posts or containedwithin joint assemblies. As an alternative, the fence post assembliescan be contained internally within a hollow interior of the fencemodules.

Daily, U.S. Pat. No. 3,822,053, issued Jul. 2, 1974, describes a picketfence constructed of relatively thin-walled and rectangularcross-sectioned tubular steel posts, rails and pickets. Holes in theposts receive the ends of the rails, and holes in the rails receive endsof the pickets. The ends of the rails are provided with spring tangspressed outwardly a slight distance, and arranged so that when the endsof the rails are inserted into the rail-receiving holes of the posts,the tangs are first deflected inwardly slightly and then spring back tolock the ends of the rails in the posts, with the facing ends of pairsof tangs closely flanking the wall of the post. The pickets are eitherprovided with similar spring-tangs for locking the ends of the picketsto the rails when such picket-ends are inserted into the holes of therails or, alternatively, pickets are locked to the rails by expandingpairs of ribs through the walls of the pickets.

Goldman, U.S. Pat. No. 5,317,833, issued Jun. 7, 1994, discloses lawnand flowerbed edging constructed of imitation bricks of molded plastic.The bricks are linked by hinged connectors so as to form edging strips.Compressible rectangular washers are provided between the bricks so asto simulate mortar joints. Anchoring prongs having barbed tips are usedto implant the bricks into the soil.

Terreta, U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,076, issued Mar. 3, 1992, discloses anedging landscaping system having various configurations. In oneconfiguration, a planter edging system is provided having a planter walledging member which can be installed along wall structures or the likeso as to create a planter area as well as providing an edging lip forease of grass trimming or shearing. In a second configuration, aflexible wall structure is provided which is combined with an edging capso as to create an edging system adapted to varying terrain. The edgingcap includes channels so as to facilitate the installation of plumbingor drainage channels in outside environments.

Beck, U.S. Pat. No. 4,543,745, issued Oct. 1, 1985, discloses multipledecorative edging witch includes an uneven, vertical row of timbersattached to a length of metal sheet. The metal sheet supports thetimbers, and acts as a barrier or edging to the earth contained within.The timbers provide the decorative part of the edging. The edging can beconstructed so that it can be connected end-to-end to itself, or toother edging units to form continuous shapes. Attachment of the metalsheet to the timbers is by means of staples.

Quinn, U.S. Pat. No. 5,535,568, issued Jul. 16, 1996, discloses aself-indexing landscape module. The module includes a series ofprojections at predetermined intervals positioned around the peripheryof the back and side walls to landscape modules when stacked. Thelandscape modules are constructed so as to be filled with fill materialssuch as dirt or gravel or the like. Each module has an imitationconcrete front. One embodiment of the module has side walls having firstand second parts, with the projections only being on the underside ofthe second part of the side wall and the back wall. Essentially, Quinnprovides for a hollow landscape block which can be used in a retainingwall or terrace. The block can be used as a planter and can provide aconfiguration for indexing or aligning individual modules to accommodatea gradual or steep slope when terracing. The modules are designed to beused in place of masonry blocks.

Rodriguez, U.S. Pat. No. 5,027,551, issued Jul. 2, 1991, disclosesdecorative lawn edging having individual units or segments which arecontiguously disclosed and held together by a connecting corrugatedband. The band is inserted on one of the ends of the units along itsdiameter. The band is flexible in a manner so as to permit the units tofollow a curved path without appreciable separation between the units.More specifically, the individual units are described as log segmentswhich can be constructed of wood and have a generally cylindrical shape.Each segment is of a substantially common height and diameter. Thecorrugated band can be constructed of galvanized steel, and insertedalong the proximate diameter centers of the ends of the units. The bandis rigid enough along its width dimension so as to penetrate through theends of the units. Staples may be utilized to limit vertical movement ofthe bands, and anchorage pins are utilized on end units so as to provideanchorage points.

Reppert, U.S. Pat. No. 5,445,362, issued Aug. 29, 1995, discloses afence assembly having a series of modules, each having a width of twofeet. The modules are assembled in four-module sections, and joined toadjacent modules by insertion of a clip into vertical T-shaped slotsformed in adjacent modules. Sections are anchored in the ground by pipeshaving downwardly projecting stakes. These pipe and stake assemblies arelocated concealed within the first and fourth module of each section.Upper and lower horizontal reinforcement members are attached alongsections. Resilient expanding anchors are used to connect the pipes,extensions and horizontal members. For this purpose, aligned boards areformed within these elements which receive the anchors. In oneembodiment disclosed for use on flat terrain, the lower reinforcingmember is extended through and concealed in longitudinal boardsextending through each module. In this configuration, only onehorizontal member is external to and visible from the finished fence. Inanother embodiment for use with installations on inclined terrain, twohorizontal, external reinforcing members are provided. The anglemandated by inclination is accommodated by pivot of the reinforcingmembers about the anchors.

Kinnaman, U.S. Pat. No. 3,902,702, issued Sep. 2, 1975, describes aninterlocking fence having abutting fence sections. A hidden fence postis provided at the abutments of the individual fence sections. A lockingpiece fits the top of the fence post so as to complete the appearance ofcontinuity of the fence.

Bouye, U.S. Pat. No. 3,902,703, issued Sep. 2, 1975, describes a fencewith spaced apart parallel uprights. Each upright includes at least onetenon extending from one side and adapted to engage and be retained bysnap-action locking means in a corresponding cavity formed in theadjacent upright element. The end element of the panel or array formedby a series of the elements is free from any tenon. The panel is held ina vertical position by means of wires and ground-anchored pickets as inconventional fences.

Freer, U.S. Pat. No. 4,260,138, issued Apr. 7, 1981, describes a picketfence, with individual pickets having a rigid upright member and foursubstantially horizontal members. The horizontal members are spacedapart and attached to the upright member. The upright member has an “I”cross-sectional configuration, for purposes of enhancing rigidity. Theupright member is described as being made of a synthetic polymer whichwill give the upright member sufficient rigidity. The horizontal membermay be made of a synthetic polymer having a mildly flexiblecharacteristic. A set of pegs is attached on the portion of thehorizontal member adjacent to the upright member. A series of aperturesextends through each of the horizontal members. Each of the pegsincludes a shaft and a button top. When the pegs and the horizontalmembers are both made of a rigid material, the button top width is equalto that of the aperture. The button tops of the pegs prevent withdrawalof the pegs from the apertures. A mildly flexible material is used forthe peg. The apertures are arranged in corresponding vertical planes, asare the pegs. Similar embodiments are also disclosed in Freer.

Gnaedig, U.S. Pat. No. 5,426,888, issued Jun. 27, 1995, discloses alandscape edging system having a series of flexible and resilientcomponent pieces. Each component piece includes a base for placement inthe ground, and a pair of opposed sides. Each side includes a protrudinglip. A lip from one component piece overlaps with a lip from anadjoining piece to form an elongated continuous edging system. Morespecifically, each component piece includes a base buried beneath thesurface of the ground. Each of the component pieces is sufficientlyflexible from side to side so that they may be flexed and bent toaccommodate various shapes and designs. In the embodiment described inGnaedig, each component piece is given the appearance of a wooden stake.Each of the component pieces includes a pair of opposed sides, with aprotruding lip extending away from each side. Each component pieceincludes a bottom flange extending from the base in an angular relationto the component piece and in an angular relationship with the groundlevel. The bottom flange can extend vertically from the base. Eachcomponent piece includes a series of five stake members, connectedtogether by flexible joints. The flexible joints are similar in shapeand configuration to the extending lips. On inclined surfaces, componentpieces can be offset by positioning the lips in an offset manner.

Lowery, U.S. Pat. No. 4,477,057, issued Oct. 16, 1994, discloses a fenceconstructed of plastic components, with a tubular support anchored inthe ground. A post slides over the support and extends upwardly. Plasticrails interconnect the posts, with each rail having protruding pegsextending out from one side. Plastic fence boards have holes formed inone side for snapping into the pegs to secure the fence boards. Some ofthe holes are vertical slots, so as to allow the fence boards to bepositioned at various vertical heights. A plastic strip is placed incontact with the ground between the posts, with each strip having anupwardly facing channel for receiving the lower edges of the fenceboards.

Dailey, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,200,260, issued Apr. 29, 1980, disclosesa picket fence structure having a series of co-planar vertical pickets.Each picket has at least one keyslot cut into each edge, so that themating edges of two adjacent pickets have their keyslots in the sameposition. A key is placed in each slot, which serves to keep the picketsin a planar assembly. Two keyslots are provided, one near each end, oneach edge of the pickets. The planar assembly of the pickets are keyedto fence posts contiguous with the outermost pickets. The keying of theoutermost pickets to adjacent fence posts is provided by longitudinalgrooves in the faces of the fence posts. Keys may be constructed as rodsor dowels. Preferably, they are disks of a diameter which will fit intosemi-circular keyslots in matching edges of the pickets. If the slotsare elongated, with keys in adjacent keyways, the adjacent pickets canhave relatively longitudinal movement to conform to a sloping groundsurface.

Topolsek, U.S. Pat. No. 3,877,140, issued Apr. 15, 1975, discloses amethod of manufacturing a fence of thermoplastic pickets havingwire-conducting links. Series of pickets or slats have connecting linksbetween adjacent pickets. The pickets are formed of an extrudedthermoplastic material, with each of the pickets having a crease. Thefence can be formed by extruding a plastic sheet, punching or cutting aseries of openings which define the pickets and connecting links, andcreasing the thermoplastic material lengthwise of each of the pickets.As an alternative, the material may be extruded with a series of wiresembedded in the direction of the extrusion. The thermoplastic sheet maythen be cut across its width, except for the wires. The cut portion maybe pulled along the wires, so that the wires form connecting lengthsbetween adjacent ones of the cuts. The pickets are formed by creasingthem along their axial length, together with the wires embedded therein.

Lepetri, U.S. Pat. No. 4,062,522, issued Dec. 13, 1977, discloses apicket fence with vertically positioned picket members havinglongitudinal grooves or slots along their lengthwise ledges. Metal slatsor strips are inserted into oppositely facing and neighboring grooves.The slat inserts cover the gaps separating the vertically standingpicket members, so that the fence serves to preserve privacy. Thepickets are held in a vertically standing position by means ofcrossbars, with the metal insert slats having a substantially slightcurvature in the cross-sectional plane.

West, U.S. Pat. No. 5,660,376, issued Aug. 26, 1997, discloses a cap andmounting arrangement for a fencing system. The fencing system includes aseries of straight plastic tubes cut into posts, cross members andpickets. Cap arrangements fit over an open top end of each post andpicket. A connectorless coupling is provided for each cap so as to lockthe cap into each post and picket, by urging a lower cap end into thepost or picket. Ends of a lock bar are urged into the post or picketinner side walls, securing the cap on the lock bar.

Svalbe, U.S. Pat. No. 5,613,664, issued Mar. 25, 1997, discloses a fenceconstructed of plastic, concrete and steel reinforcement. Each sectionof the fence includes two posts, with each post having a hollowedportion filled with concrete and steel reinforcement. Each sectionincludes rails fastened between the two posts, with each of the railshaving a hollowed portion also filled with concrete and steelreinforcement. Each of the rails is fastened between the posts using apin for each post. A number of pickets are fastened between the rails,with each of the pickets having a hollowed portion also filled withconcrete and steel reinforcement. The steel reinforcement in each picketextends along the length of the picket and into each of the rails.

Schwartz, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,601,279, issued Feb. 11, 1997,discloses a picket fence with slats having U-shaped attachment rails.The fence includes a pair of posts installed into a ground mass,laterally spaced from each other, and each having at least onetransverse support member. A series of pickets is provided, with atleast one transverse rail attached to the pickets. The transverse railincludes a channel adapted to receive the transverse support member. Theseries of pickets and the transverse rail are formed as a unitary piece,and adapted to mate with similar unitary pieces to provide the modularconstruction.

Blouin, U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,438, issued Sep. 8, 1998, discloses plasticfencing with at least one corner post having at least one pair ofrecesses formed in the post. At least one intermediate post is provided,having at least one pair of intermediate post recesses formed therein.An end post is also provided, with at least one end post recess formedin the end post. A series of rails are provided for horizontallyspanning distances between the corner posts, intermediate posts and endposts. The rails are removably attachable to the corner post recesses,intermediate post recesses and end post recesses. A picket fence systemis provided by having picket slats removably attachable to picket rails.

Edgman, U.S. Pat. No. 5,702,090, issued Dec. 30, 1997, discloses aplastic fence assembly having a series of post members formed of hollow,extruded plastic and having opposing side walls and end wallsintersected by one or more elongated channels. Elongated spacer elementsare inserted in the channels and retained in the channels byinterlocking projections on the spacer elements and recesses formed inthe side walls of the post channels. The spacer elements support sideedges of vertically extending picket members, and also brackets forhorizontally extending rail members. The spacer elements position atleast one or both of elongated top and bottom rail members of the fenceassembly. The top and bottom rail members have elongated slots forreceiving opposing ends of generally planar board-like picket members.The top and bottom rail members and the spacer members can be cut tolength as can be the post and picket members to provide fencing of adesirable height and distance between posts.

Schall, U.S. Pat. No. 5,660,378, issued Aug. 26, 1997, describes amethod of making a fence having a series of spaced apart pickets. Eachpicket has an aperture facing in the same direction, and an insert withan edge having a single or series of spaced apart fingers disposed alongthe edge. The spacing between the fingers is the same as the spacingbetween center portions of the pickets and a substantially U-shaped railhaving an intermediate portion and a pair of spaced apart portionsextending from the intermediate portion. The insert is placed betweenthe rail and the pickets, so that the fingers are aligned with theapertures and above the apertures and the pickets. The rail and fingersare then moved toward the apertures until the fingers enter and arelocked in the apertures. In one embodiment disclosed in Schall, the stepof moving the rail and the fingers includes continuing to move the railand the fingers in the same direction after entering the fingers intothe aperture so as to provide the locking. This is accomplished byproviding a locking device having a W-shaped portion with a topsemi-circular portion and a bottom semi-circular position. The step oflocking includes rotating the insert from the top semi-circular portionto the bottom semi-circular portion so as to provide locking inconjunction with the apertures. In the second embodiment, the lockingdevice includes a flange extending toward the pickets and the step oflocking the insert between the flange and the intermediate portion ofthe U-shaped rail.

Graber, U.S. Pat. No. 5,601,278, issued Feb. 11, 1997, discloses apicket fence having a pair of vertical posts, with top and bottom railmembers supported by each of the posts. Pickets are attached to the railmembers. The posts, rails and pickets are all made of polyvinylmaterial. The pickets are attached to the rails by cleats engagingkeyhole-shaped slots in the pickets. In one embodiment, thekeyhole-shaped slots extend in opposing directions, so that the railsmay be moved relative to the pickets in order to secure the pickets tothe rails. In this manner, the pickets cannot be removed through therails, without first removing the rails from the posts. In anotherembodiment, keyhole slots extend in the same direction, and a lockingarm extends from the cleats into the narrow portion of the keyhole slot.In this manner, in order to remove the picket from the rail, both thetop and bottom portions of the picket must first be deflected slightly,and the picket then forced downwardly. In each instance, it is unlikelythat the pickets can be removed accidentally.

Reinbold, U.S. Pat. No. 5,882,001, issued Mar. 16, 1999, discloses apicket fence formed by a series of posts having vertically spaced ribson confronting surfaces for supporting respective ends of invertedU-shaped rails. The rails are provided with a series of longitudinallyand equally spaced vertically aligned apertures. Each aperture includesa tab portion of the U-shaped rail bight portion projecting into theaperture. A similar series of pickets are cooperatively received by therespective aligned apertures, with each picket having a pair oftransverse longitudinally spaced slots in its wall. The slotscooperatively nest a respective tab projecting into each slot. Aninverted L-shaped spring steel clip enters into the respective apertureon the side of the post opposite its slot, so as to engage upper andlower surfaces of the bight portion of the respective rail adjacent tothe aperture. In this manner, each respective picket is locked againstmovement relative to the rails.

Cacicedo, U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,354, issued Dec. 13, 1994, discloses apicket fence having posts, rails and pickets mounted to the rails. Theupper rail is removably mounted to the post, and the lower rail ismounted removably and rotatably to the post. In this manner, the picketfence is constructed so as to permit adjacent sections to be angularlyoriented relative to each other.

Derange, U.S. Pat. No. 4,735,397, issues Apr. 5, 1998, discloses afencing system constructed of plastic materials. The system includes aseries of posts, and a series of runners for interconnecting the postsand pickets extending vertically relative to the horizontal runners. Thepickets, runners and posts are formed from molded plastic material. Eachpost includes a series of slots and outerfaces. Each slot has atransverse pin arranged in a central configuration for receiving a hookmember at a respective end of a runner. The posts also include M-shapednotches at corners thereof to receive a wire extending past the post andsupported by the post. A lower end of the post includes a transversesurface which converges to an apex, so as to prevent frost heave.

Lustvee, U.S. Pat. No. 4,625,948, issued Dec. 2, 1986, discloses apicket fence construction with a first, transverse rail and a series ofpickets mountable to the rail. The pickets are hung by means of a tongueand engaging link arrangement. The rail includes a tongue for eachpicket, and each picket includes an engaging link. Alternatively, thetongue and links can be reversed. The pickets are held by a retainingconfiguration having a second rail engaging the pickets by a tongue andlink arrangement operating in the opposing direction. The Lustvee patentalso shows the retaining configuration as a capping rail.

O'Mullan, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 3,762,113, issued Oct. 2, 1973, disclosesa plastic landscape edging and border structure, which includes moduleshaving blocks and mortar joints. The modules are coupled to each otherend-to-end, and carry stakes which anchor the structure in the ground.The modules include a base member, which is laid in a bed of wet roadmaterial, such as asphalt or cement. When the material dries, the baseis secured thereto.

Hasenwinkle, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,585, issued May 30, 1989,discloses a landscape timber building module formed from a solid pieceof wood with a predetermined length and width. At least two flat andopposed substantially parallel surfaces include a series of uniformlyspaced holes extending therethrough. Each end of the module is curvedwith a radius extending from approximately the centerline of the secondhole inwardly from the end. Each individual module is treated with apreservative compound. Individual modules are interconnected by use ofpin connectors inserted through aligned holes in the modules.

Gaston, U.S. Pat. No. 6,012,254, issued Jan. 11, 2000, describes atrenchless landscape edging system. This system includes a series ofanchoring members, and an edging member having substantially no barrierextending downwardly therefrom, and corresponding interconnecting oradjoining blocks having recesses disposed therein. The blocks, incombination with the anchoring members, can by employed to separateadjacent lawn, garden or similar areas. The configuration is disclosedas reducing the effects of undesired displacement forces, such as frostheave.

Various types of configurations are also shown in a number of designpatents. For example, the inventors are aware of the following U.S.design patents: Nauseda, et al, No. 310,421, issued Sep. 4, 1990; Kobee,No. 257,064, issued Sep. 23, 1980; Novak, et al, No. 276,494, issuedNov. 27, 1984; Anderson, et al, No. 425,322, issued Jun. 6, 2000;Northrop, No. 361,853, issued Aug. 29, 1995; Shaw, No. 416,399, issuedNov. 9, 1999; Koch, No. 391,379, issued Feb. 24, 1998; Nauseda, No.363,801, issued Oct. 31, 1995; Tisbo, et al, No. 416,096, issued Nov. 2,1999; van Rhienen, No. 430,683, issued Sep. 5, 2000; Howry, No. 370,268,issued May 28, 1996; Hill, Sr., 403,435, issued Dec. 29, 1998; andOlivera, et al, No. 423,684, issued Apr. 25, 2000.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention, a decorative border structure includesa plurality of border picket assemblies, with interconnecting means forreleasably interconnecting adjacent ones of the border picketassemblies. The interconnecting means provides for a pivotable movementof at least one of the border picket assemblies relative to another ofthe border picket assemblies. The interconnecting means includes atleast one trim spacer and at least one snap assemblage. The snapassemblage is connected to at least one of the border picket assemblies,and the trim spacer is pivotably and releasably interconnected to thesnap assemblage.

The trim spacer includes a central web and a pair of snap socketsextending outwardly from opposing ends of the central web. Each of thesnap sockets includes a pair of opposing fingers attached to the centralweb, with each of the fingers having an arcuate configuration. A socketopening is formed between terminal ends of the pair of opposing fingers.

Each snap assemblage includes extending means for extending the snapassemblage laterally from the associated .border picket assembly. Meansextend outward from the extending means for releasably and pivotablyinterconnecting the associated border picket assembly to another of theborder picket assemblies. The means extending outward from the extendingmeans includes a vertically oriented snap post. The snap assemblage alsoincludes snap retainers located at opposing ends of the snap post.

The interconnecting means includes means for permitting interconnectionof adjacent ones of the border picket assemblies when the picketassemblies are to be used with a relatively uneven terrain. The meansprovides for modification of alignment of adjacent ones of the borderpicket assemblies. The interconnecting means is of a structure such thatthe border picket assemblies can be manually assembled and disassembledwithout the need of tools. In addition, the decorative border structureis bi-directionally symmetrical.

The interconnecting means also includes means for permitting use of thedecorative border structure with terrain of substantial inclinations anddeclinations. In addition, elements of the decorative border structuremay be composed of materials which facilitate cleaning of the structure.The materials may also be receptive to painting or staining, and UVstable. Still further, elements of the decorative border structure maybe composed of materials which are recyclable. More specifically, and inaccordance with the invention, the border picket assemblies may becomposed of polypropylene.

Each of the border picket assemblies includes a picket portion have alower body with a substantially rectangular cross-sectionalconfiguration, and a tapered upper portion. Each border picket assemblyalso includes a stake which is integrally connected to a lower part ofthe picket portion. The stake includes a central web, and pairs ofreinforcing ribs integral with this central web. The stake may have adownward taper terminating at a lower point.

Pivotable and releasable interconnection of adjacent ones of the borderpicket assemblies is provided by the snap fitting of the pairs of snapfingers to snap posts associated with the border picket assemblies. Inaccordance with one aspect of the invention, the snap posts may be of alonger elongated length relative to elongated lengths of the snapsockets, so as to allow room for modifying vertical alignment ofadjacently interconnected border picket assemblies, thereby permittingalignment of the assemblies on uneven terrain. In accordance withanother aspect of the invention, the central web of each of the trimspacers may be of an angled configuration, so that interconnected snapsockets on opposing ends of the angled central web are located indifferent horizontal planes, thereby permitting interconnection ofadjacent border picket assemblies in a manner so as to permit use withterrain of relatively substantial inclinations or declinations. Further,each of the snap retainers may be of a diameter which is relativelylarger than diameters of cross-sectional configurations of correspondingsnap posts and snap sockets pivotably and releasably coupled to the snapposts. In this manner, inadvertent vertical disconnection between trimspacers and interconnected snap assemblages is prevented.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The invention will now be described with respect to the drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is somewhat of a perspective view showing a decorative borderstructure in accordance with the invention located within a lawn as partof a structure for providing protective bordering for a tree;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a border picket assembly for use with adecorative border structure in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 3 is an elevation view showing an upper portion of the borderpicket assembly, and further showing the relative positions of pivotinglocks on opposing sides of the border picket assembly, withinterconnecting trim spacers;

FIG. 4 is an elevation view showing an upper portion of a pair of borderpicket assemblies intended to be interconnected adjacent to each other,through pivoting locks with an interconnecting trim spacer;

FIG. 5 is an elevation and enlarged view of the upper portion of a pairof border picket assemblies, intended to be interconnected adjacent toeach other, with one of the snap sockets of a trim spacer shown as beingreleasably interconnected to a snap post of the pivoting lock associatedwith one of the border picket assemblies;

FIG. 6 is a view primarily from above a border picket assembly, andprimarily showing one of the snap assemblages of a pivoting lock, andfurther showing a trim spacer releasably interconnected to a snapassemblage associated with the border picket assembly;

FIG. 7 is similar to FIG. 6, but illustrates the trim spacer as beingadjacent to (but unconnected to) a snap assemblage associated with aborder picket assembly;

FIG. 8 is a partially perspective view of a trim spacer which may beutilized in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 9 is an elevation view of a border picket assembly, with a trimspacer releasably interconnected to one of the snap posts of one of thesnap assemblages associated with the border picket assembly;

FIG. 10 is an elevation view of a partial section of the border picketassembly of FIG. 9, illustrating the stake portion of the border picketassembly;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the stake portion of the border picketassembly as shown in FIG. 10, but through lines 11-11 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the stake portion of the borderpicket assembly shown in FIG. 9, through section lines 12-12 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the border picket assembly and releasablyinterconnected trim spacer as illustrated in FIG. 9;

FIG. 14 is a plan view of the trim spacer illustrated in FIG. 13, butshown separate and independent from any other elements of a decorativeborder assembly in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 15 is an elevation view of the trim spacer illustrated in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of a trim spacer in accordance with theinvention, taken along section lines 16-16 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 17 is a sectional view showing detail associated with thereleasable interconnection of the trim spacer in FIG. 13 to the snappost also shown in FIG. 13, taken along section lines 17-17 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 18 is a partial elevation view of a trim spacer in accordance withthe invention, showing specifically a snap socket of the trim spacer;

FIG. 19 is a partial view of a snap assemblage in accordance with theinvention, showing detail associated with a snap post in accordance withthe invention;

FIG. 20 is an elevation view showing a trim spacer releasablyinterconnected to adjacent border picket assemblies, and specificallyshowing the capability of adjusting alignment between the two borderpicket assemblies;

FIG. 21 is a plan view of a border picket assembly in accordance withthe invention, with a trim spacer releasably interconnected to a snapassemblage associated with the border picket assembly, and illustratingthe capability of pivotable rotation of the trim spacer relative to theinterconnected snap post;

FIG. 22 is a plan view of an angled trim spacer in accordance with theinvention;

FIG. 23 is an elevation view of the angled trim spacer illustrated inFIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is an elevation view in part, illustrating two adjacent borderpicket assemblies interconnected with an angled trim spacer, andillustrating the capability of providing room for alignment of theadjacent border picket assemblies;

FIG. 25 is an elevation view showing the interconnection of a series ofborder picket assemblies in accordance with the invention; and

FIG. 26 is an elevation view similar to FIG. 25, but illustrating theborder picket assemblies being interconnected with angled trim spacersin accordance with the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The principles of the invention are disclosed, by way of example, in adecorative border structure 100 as illustrated in FIGS. 1-26 anddescribed in subsequent paragraphs herein. A decorative border structure100 in accordance with the invention is of a configuration whichfacilitates assembly. Also, advantageously, the border structure 100provides the capability of curvature of the border structure through theuse of pivotable locking means to secure together in a pivotableconfiguration independent elements of the border structure 100. Inaddition to the foregoing, the decorative border structure 100 includesmeans which facilitate use of the structure on inclinations anddeclinations of surface terrain. Still further, with construction of thedecorative border structure 100 through the use of polypropylenematerials, the border structure 100 facilitates cleaning and is of ahardness which reduces the probability of damage from impingement ofobjects against the border structure 100, such as rocks, stones and thelike.

In addition to the foregoing, the border structure 100 is of aninterconnecting configuration which will withstand wind conditionswithout inadvertent disassembly. Still further, one aspect of theinvention relates to the use of reinforcement means for elements whichsecure the decorative border structure 100 into surface terrain.Therefore, the border structure 100 is not particularly subject todamage during assembly and during installation within a surface terrain.

Although the interconnection arrangements of the decorative borderstructure 100 will not easily disassemble in severe environmentalconditions, the structure 100 is capable of manual disassembly withoutthe use of any significant or complex tools. Such disassemblyfacilitates storage of the border structure 100 during the off season,as well as permitting rearrangement of the elements of the borderstructure 100 to provide for varying configurations.

Another aspect of the decorative border structure 100 in accordance withthe invention is the concept that with the border structure 100constructed of polypropylene, such material is reprocessable and thus“environmentally friendly.” Still further, with a polypropyleneconstruction, the border structure 100 does not require painting. Withthe use of known stabilizers with the polypropylene materials, theborder structure 100 can be made UV stable, and can be run in a numberof different colors. Correspondingly, with the polypropylene materials,the surface of the border structure 100 can be constructed in a mannerso that it includes an aesthetically pleasing “grained” surface.

Finally, the border structure 100 in accordance with the invention canbe characterized as bi-directionally symmetrical, in that a view fromthe back of the decorative border structure 100 will essentiallycorrespond to the view from the front of the border structure 100. Thissymmetry provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Turning to the drawings, the decorative border structure 100 isillustrated in FIG. 1 in front of a tree within a lawn. Althoughdecorative border structures can be utilized for various landscapepurposes as illustrated in FIG. 1, concepts associated with theinvention are not necessarily limited to structures which are of thesame relative configuration and function as the decorative borderstructure 100. The border structure 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes aseries of three spaced apart border picket assemblies 102, with adjacentones of the border picket assemblies 102 interconnected through the useof trim spacers 104. A series of pivoting locks 106 which include thetrim spacers 104 and snap assemblages 126 (described in subsequentparagraphs herein) provide the actual means for pivotablyinterconnecting adjacent border picket assemblies 102. The pivotinglocks 106 can be characterized as an “interconnecting means.”

An individual one of the border picket assemblies 102 is illustrated inFIG. 2 and FIG. 9. FIG. 9 also shows the interconnection of one of thetrim spacers 104 to the border picket assembly 102. The border picketassembly 102 includes a picket portion 108 which includes a lower body110 in the form of an elongated structure having a rectangularcross-sectional configuration. Interconnected or integral with the lowerbody 110 at the upper end thereof is a tapered upper portion 112. Asshown primarily in FIGS. 9 and 13, the tapered upper portion 112 is of afour-sided configuration with a substantially pyramidical structurehaving four triangular sides 114 which taper upwardly to an apex 116.

As shown primarily in FIGS. 2, 9, 10 and 11, connected to or otherwiseintegral with the picket portion 108 is a stake 118 projectingdownwardly from the bottom of the lower body 110. As shown particularlyin FIGS. 9, 10 and 11, the stake is of a wedge-shaped configuration witha downward taper terminating at a lower point 120.

The stake 118, as primarily shown in FIGS. 10, 11 and 12, includes acentral web 122 integral with pairs of reinforcing ribs 124. Thereinforcing ribs 124 provide for substantive reinforcement of thestructure of stake 118, and will tend to prevent damage (by inadvertentbending or the like) during installation and insertion into groundterrain.

Turning now to the upper structure of the border picket assemblies 102,and with initial reference primarily to FIGS. 5, 9 and 13, each of theborder picket assemblies 102 includes a pair of snap assemblages 126.Each of the snap assemblages 126 includes a standard 128 extendinglaterally outward from opposing sides of the lower body 110 of thepicket portion 108. The standard 128 acts as an “extending means.” Eachof these standards 128 is preferably integral with the lower body 110 ofthe picket portion 108. The standards 128 may have a rectangularcross-sectional configuration. At the side of each standard 128 opposingthe side connected to the picket portion 108 is an interconnected snappost 130. The snap post 130 has an elongated configuration and extendsvertically along the lower body 110 in a parallel orientation thereto.The snap post 130 also has a substantially cylindrical cross-sectionalconfiguration, although various shapes can be utilized in accordancewith the invention. At upper and lower ends of each snap post 130 are apair of snap retainers 132. The snap retainers 132 act as opposingflanges or collars to the snap post 130, and have diameters which arerelatively larger than the diameters of the cross-sectionalconfigurations of the corresponding snap post 130. As will be describedin subsequent paragraphs herein, the snap post 130 operates as part of apivoting lock 106 to pivotally secure together adjacent border picketassemblies 102. The snap retainers 132 assist in preventing inadvertentdisconnection between adjacent border picket assemblies 102. Theforegoing essentially describes the entirety of the elements of each ofthe border picket assemblies 102 in accordance with the invention.

With reference to FIGS. 5, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18 and 19, thedecorative border structure 100 in accordance with the invention alsoincludes a series of trim spacers 104 as earlier stated with respect toFIG. 1. Each of the trim spacers 104 includes a central web 134 having aconfiguration as primarily shown in FIGS. 14, 15 and 16. Interconnectedto opposing ends of the central web 134 (and preferably integraltherewith) are a pair of opposing snap sockets 136. With reference toFIGS. 14, 15, 16 and 18, each of the snap sockets 136 includes a pair ofopposing fingers 138 having an arcuate configuration. These opposingfingers 138 form a partially annular structure in cross-sectionalconfiguration, but leave an arc which forms a socket opening 140. Thesocket openings 140 are particularly shown in FIGS. 14, 16 and 18. Thetrim spacers 104 are formed of a material such that the opposing fingers138 are somewhat flexible and resilient in nature. This flexibility andresiliency facilitates removal of connection of the trim spacers 104 tothe snap assemblages 126.

The assembly of a decorative border structure 100 in accordance with theinvention, through use of the border picket assemblies 102 and trimspacers 104, will now be described. For purposes of interconnecting oneof the border picket assemblies 102 to a proposed adjacent border picketassembly 102, the border picket assemblies 102 are placed near eachother, and a trim spacer 104 is positioned so that one of the snapsockets 136 is at the same height and adjacent to one of the snapassemblages 126. The trim spacer 104 is then “snap-fitted” with the snapassemblage 126 by snap fitting the snap post 130 into the snap socket136. Of course, for purposes of this type of interconnection, the snapsockets 136 and snap post 130 must be appropriately and relativelysized. The snap socket 136 should be fitted with the snap post 130 in amanner such that the trim spacer 104 is pivotable relative to theinterconnected border picket assembly 102 through pivoting movement ofthe snap socket 136 relative to its coupled snap post 130. This type ofconfiguration and rotation is illustrated in FIG. 21.

With the trim spacer 104 interconnected to one border picket assembly102 through the coupling of the snap socket 136 to the snap post 130, asecond border picket assembly 102 can be positioned so that one of itssnap posts 130 is adjacent to the other snap socket 136 of the trimspacer 104. This opposing snap socket 136 can then be snap-fitted intothe corresponding snap post 130 of the second border picket assembly102. In this manner, two adjacent border picket assemblies 102 arecoupled to each other so that they have a pivotable relationship withina horizontal plane extending perpendicular to the two dimensionaldrawing of FIG. 9. Accordingly, the appropriate pivotableinterconnection can exist. Through coupling of a series of border picketassemblies 102 in this manner, an elongated decorative border structure100 can be achieved. Such a configuration is illustrated in FIG. 25.

In addition to favorably providing for pivotable interconnection betweenadjacent border picket assemblies 102, the use of the trim spacer 104with the snap assemblages 126 can also provide an additional advantage.Specifically, with reference to FIG. 20, the height of the trim spacer104 can be adjusted such that it is less than the elongated andlongitudinal length of the snap post 130 of the border picket assemblies102. With this difference between the height of trim spacer 104 and thelength of the snap post 130, an “adjustment length” or “room foralignment” is favorably provided between the coupled adjacent borderpicket assemblies 102. For example, with the configuration illustratedin FIG. 20, a distance X is provided for vertical adjustment between thecoupled border picket assemblies 102. The snap retainers 132 preventdisconnection of the snap post 130 from the snap sockets 136 in thevertical direction.

The coupling of the trim spacers 104 with border picket assemblies 102has now been described. In accordance with this description, the snapassemblages 126 and trim spacers 104 can be characterized as providingfor “pivoting locks” 106 which pivotably couple adjacent border picketassemblies 102.

Although the trim spacers 104 provide for adjustment of alignment asdescribed with respect to FIG. 20, there may be situations where thedecorative border structure 100 is to be used on terrain of relativelysubstantial inclinations or declinations. In such situations, thealignment adjustment permitted through the use of trim spacer 104 asdescribed with respect to FIG. 20 may not be sufficient to compensatefor the inclination/declination. In such a situation, an angled trimspacer 142 as illustrated in FIGS. 22, 23 and 24 may be utilized. Aswith the trim spacer 104, the angled trim spacer 142 includes a pair ofopposing snap sockets 144, each with a pair of opposing fingers 146. Thesockets 144 and fingers 146 have a structure substantially correspondingto the structure of the snap sockets 136 and fingers 138 associated withthe trim spacers 104. However, while the trim spacer 104 included astraight central web 134, the angled trim spacer 142 has a central web148 which is angled as illustrated in FIGS. 22, 23 and 24. This angledconfiguration results in an elevation view as shown in these drawingswhich is trapezoidal in configuration. With this configuration, asubstantially greater vertical adjustment can be made between adjacentborder picket assemblies 102. With this angled configuration of theangled trim spacer 142, adjacent border picket assemblies 102 can bepositioned as illustrated in FIG. 24, with one of the border picketassemblies 102 being positioned in a substantially higher plane than theadjacent and coupled border picket assembly 102. With a series of theseborder picket assemblies 102 interconnected through the use of angledtrim spacers 142, a decorative border structure 100 can be constructedso as to appear as illustrated in FIG. 26.

In accordance with the foregoing description, a decorative borderstructure 100 in accordance with the invention can be readily assembled.Also, with the pivotable interconnections of trim spacers 104, angledtrim spacers 142, and border picket assemblies 102, a curvature can beprovided to the decorative border structure 100. In addition, throughthe use of the permitted alignment adjustment for the trim spacers 104,and with the use of angled trim spacers 142, the border picketassemblies 102 of the decorative border structure 100 can be adjusted soas to be appropriately positioned on ground terrain of varyinginclinations and declinations.

Although a decorative border structure 100 in accordance with theinvention can be constructed of various materials, the inventors havediscovered that construction with polypropylene material may be ofsubstantial advantage. Such materials will permit decorative borderstructures 100 to be readily cleaned, and to be resistant to damagecaused by high impact, such as from stones, rocks or the like.

Still further, with the particular assembly configurations used with thedecorative border structure 100 in accordance with the invention, theborder structure 100 will withstand moderate wind conditions withoutinadvertent disassembly. Also, with the structure 100, the stakes 118have means for reinforcement, and will not bend easily upon installationor other assembly. With the use of polypropylene, stabilizers can beadded to the polypropylene so as to provide for a UV stable material,which can be run in various colors.

The structural configuration of the decorative border structure 100 inaccordance with the invention also permits relative ease of disassemblyfor purposes of storage. Also, the border structure 100 can bedisassembled and reassembled in a manner so as to facilitaterearrangement of varying configurations of the border structures 100.

With the use of polypropylene materials, such materials arereprocessable and “environmentally friendly”. The materials also readilypermit use of an aesthetically pleasing surface, such as formation of a“grained” surface. In addition, decorative border structures 100constructed of these materials will not require painting.

Finally, with the particular structures 100 shown in accordance with theinvention, and particularly with the coupling between the adjacentborder picket assemblies 102 provided laterally on each of theassemblies 102, the decorative border structure 100 is symmetrical aboutitself. That is, there is no “front” structure, relative to a “back”structure.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the pertinent arts that otherembodiments of decorative border structures in accordance with theinvention can be achieved. That is, the principles of a decorativeborder structure in accordance with the invention are not limited to thespecific embodiments described herein. It will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that modifications and other variations of theabove-described illustrative embodiments of the invention may beeffected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novelconcepts of the invention.

1. A decorative border structure comprising: a plurality of borderpicket assemblies; interconnecting means for releasably interconnectingadjacent ones of said border picket assemblies; and said interconnectingmeans provides for pivotable movement of at least one of said borderpicket assemblies relative to at least another of said border picketassemblies.
 2. A decorative border structure in accordance with claim 1,characterized in that said interconnecting means comprises at least onetrim spacer, where said one trim spacer is pivotably and releasablyinterconnected to said at least one of said border picket assemblies. 3.A decorative border structure in accordance with claim 2, characterizedin that said at least one trim spacer comprises: a central web; and apair of snap sockets extending outwardly from opposing ends of saidcentral web.
 4. A decorative border structure in accordance with claim3, characterized in that each of said snap sockets comprises: a pair ofopposing fingers attached to said central web, each of said fingershaving an arcuate configuration; and a socket opening formed betweenterminal ends of said pair of opposing fingers.
 5. A decorative borderstructure in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that saidinterconnecting means comprises at least one snap assemblage connectedto said at least one of said border picket assemblies.
 6. A decorativeborder structure in accordance with claim 5, characterized in that saidat least one snap assemblage comprises: extending means for extendingsaid at least one snap assemblage laterally from said at least one ofsaid border picket assemblies; and means extending outward from saidextending means for releasably and pivotably interconnecting said atleast one of said border picket assemblies to another of said borderpicket assemblies.
 7. A decorative border structure in accordance withclaim 5, characterized in that said means extending outward from saidextending means comprises a vertically orientated snap post.
 8. Adecorative border structure in accordance with claim 7, characterized inthat said at least one snap assemblage further comprises snap retainerslocated at opposing ends of said snap post.
 9. A decorative borderstructure in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that saidinterconnecting means comprises means for permitting interconnection ofsaid adjacent ones of said border picket assemblies when said picketassembles are to be used with a relatively uneven terrain, said meansproviding for modification of alignment of said adjacent ones of saidborder picket assemblies.
 10. A decorative border structure inaccordance with claim 1, characterized in that said interconnectingmeans is of a structure such that said plurality of border picketassemblies can be manually assembled and disassembled without the needof tools.
 11. A decorative border structure in accordance with claim 1,characterized in that said decorative border structure isbi-directionally symmetrical.
 12. A decorative border structure inaccordance with claim 1, characterized in that said interconnectingmeans comprises means for permitting use of said decorative borderstructure with terrain of substantial inclinations and declinations. 13.A decorative border structure in accordance with claim 1, characterizedin that all elements of said decorative border structure are composed ofmaterials which facilitate cleaning of said decorative border structure.14. A decorative border structure in accordance with claim 1,characterized in that all elements of said decorative border structureare composed of materials which are receptive to painting or staining.15. A decorative border structure in accordance with claim 1,characterized in that all elements of said decorative border structureare composed of materials which are UV stable.
 16. A decorative borderstructure in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that all elementsof said decorative border structure are composed of materials which arerecyclable.
 17. A decorative border structure in accordance with claim1, characterized in that said plurality of border picket assemblies arecomposed of polypropylene.
 18. A decorative border structure inaccordance with claim 1, characterized in that each of said borderpicket assemblies comprises: a picket portion having a lower body of asubstantially rectangular cross-sectional configuration, and a taperedupper portion; and a stake integrally connected to a lower part of saidpicket portion.
 19. A decorative border structure in accordance withclaim 18, characterized in that said stake comprises: a central web;pairs of reinforcing ribs integral with said central web; and said stakehaving a downward taper terminating at a lower point.
 20. A decorativeborder structure in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that: saidinterconnecting means comprises at least one trim spacer, where said onetrim spacer is pivotably and releasably interconnected to said at leastone of said border picket assemblies; at least one snap assemblageconnected to said at least one of said border picket assemblies; andsaid at least one trim spacer is adapted to be pivotably and releasablyinterconnected to a pair of said snap assemblages, where said snapassemblages are connected to adjacent ones of said border picketassemblies.
 21. A decorative border structure in accordance with claim20, characterized in that said trim spacer comprises: a central web; anda pair of snap sockets extending outwardly from opposing ends of saidcentral web, each of said snap sockets comprising a pair of opposingfingers attached to said central web and a socket opening formed betweenterminal ends of said pair of opposing fingers.
 22. A decorative borderstructure in accordance with claim 21, characterized in that said atleast one snap assemblage comprises: a standard connected to andassociated with one of said border picket assemblies for extending saidat least one snap assemblage laterally from said at least one of saidborder picket assemblies; a vertically oriented snap post extendingoutwardly from said standard; and snap retainers located at opposingends of said snap post.
 23. A decorative border structure in accordancewith claim 22, characterized in that pivotable and releasableinterconnection of adjacent ones of said border picket assemblies isprovided by the snap fitting of said pairs of snap fingers to snap postsassociated with adjacent ones of said border picket assemblies.
 24. Adecorative border structure in accordance with claim 23, characterizedin that said snap posts are of longer elongated length relative toelongated lengths of said snap sockets, so as to allow room formodifying vertical alignment of adjacently interconnected border picketassemblies, thereby permitting alignment of adjacent border picketassemblies on uneven terrain.
 25. A decorative border structure inaccordance with claim 23, characterized in that said central web of eachof said trim spacers is of an angled configuration, so thatinterconnected snap sockets on opposing ends of said angled central webare located in different horizontal planes, thereby permittinginterconnection of adjacent border picket assembles in a manner so as topermit use with terrain of relatively substantial inclinations ordeclinations.
 26. A decorative border structure in accordance with claim22, characterized in that each of said snap retainers is of a diameterwhich is relatively larger than diameters of cross-sectionalconfigurations of corresponding snap posts and snap sockets pivotablyand releasably coupled to said snap posts, so as to prevent inadvertentvertical disconnection between trim spacers and interconnected snapassemblages.